The Genius of Generosity

By Allen White

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:2-4

Last Sunday, folks at our church helped replenish a local food bank. Members simply set a bag of groceries on the trunk of their car, which was collected while the service was in progress. We managed to fill up a pretty good sized truck in the process. I like the anonymity of that giving.

We didn’t bring our canned goods to the front of the auditorium and form a grocery pyramid to celebrate our generosity. In light of this passage, that would be like some sort of supermarket tower of Babel. No, we gave anonymously, then went inside to worship the One who provides for us.

Now, if we tell people about our generosity, do we lose our reward? I don’t think that’s the point. In fact, others might be encouraged to give. People will be inspired to hear how we can easily give to God and to others and trust that God will continue to provide for all of our needs. We need to hear real life stories of folks who are generous beyond the norm.

A few weeks ago, Water of Life received a donation of $60. It’s not a huge amount, but it came with a note.

The gift came from a seven-year-old girl who had sold two of her bicycles at a garage sale for $65. She wanted to give some money to help kids with no fresh water. Her mother explained that usually we give 10 percent to God and keep 90 percent for ourselves. The girl thought about it for a minute, then said, “I think I’ll give $60 and keep $5 for myself. That just seems right to me.”

Now, she didn’t want this story told, but it inspired me, so I am passing it along to you. How has God inspired you to help those in need?

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